Radical change befell the Baltimore Ravens this week, as longtime head coach John Harbaugh was sent packing after closing out the season at 8-9. His successful 18-year run with the franchise, which included only three losing seasons.
However, one former Ravens player doesn’t think he deserves all the blame.
Why Does One Ex-Ravens WR Oppose Baltimore Firing John Harbaugh?
In 11 of Harbaugh’s 18 years with the Ravens, the team bagged double-digit winning seasons. Surprisingly, his recent firing comes on the heels of a campaign in which star quarterback Lamar Jackson missed key games that could’ve set up the team for a shot at the playoffs.
Former Ravens wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh zeroed in on smaller issues that played a key role in the Ravens’ losing matchups that could’ve gotten them over the postseason line, which Harbaugh had no control over.
“I’m gonna go to when I played for [Harbaugh],” the Pro Bowler said on “Speakeasy” on Tuesday. “He can’t make Zay Flowers not fumble that ball. He can’t help Mark Andrews catch that ball. He can’t make that field-goal kicker make the kick.”
He also reflected on his own career and on similar situations he found himself in, which provide insight into Harbaugh’s limitations in games.
“When I was playing, I never dropped the ball in a moment that mattered ever in my life,” he continued. “And I did drop the ball when it mattered in that game. And it was like, that was so unlike me. I never not made the play ever, and I’m just like, ‘That ain’t Harbaugh’s fault.'”
The longtime Ravens head coach might have a strong resume, but he’s not without his faults. During the 2024 playoffs, when the team was eliminated in the Divisional Round, many people criticized the team for failing to utilize star running back Derrick Henry effectively.
“Now, this is why we place the blame on Harbaugh,” he added. “You have Derrick Henry, last year. Why aren’t you making sure he gets the ball? ‘Todd [Monken], put Henry in the f*** game. What are you doing?’ That is the only fault that I can give Harbaugh, is, why isn’t Derrick Henry getting more carries in the playoffs? But outside of that, he did what he was supposed to do.”
It’ll be interesting to see where Harbaugh goes next. His accomplishments speak for themselves, and teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, and Cleveland Browns could all benefit from his services.
